Most of us don’t think twice about pennies. They get tossed into jars, forgotten in drawers, or handed over as loose change without a second thought. But what if one of those pennies was worth $815,000—more than the price of a luxury home?
That’s the incredible reality behind some rare Lincoln Wheat Pennies, one of which sold for an astonishing $815,000. And here’s the best part: some of these valuable pennies could still be out there, hiding in everyday change, waiting for someone to discover them.
Could you be the lucky one to find one? Let’s take a closer look at what makes these pennies so special.
The Birth of an American Icon
The Lincoln Wheat Penny was introduced in 1909 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s birth. This wasn’t just another coin—it was the first U.S. coin to feature a real person, replacing the symbolic designs that had been used for decades.
Designed by Victor David Brenner, the penny’s design included:
- Front (Obverse): A portrait of Abraham Lincoln, along with the minting year and the phrase “In God We Trust.”
- Back (Reverse): Two wheat stalks framing the words “One Cent” and “United States of America.”
This classic design remained in circulation until 1958, when it was replaced by the Lincoln Memorial Penny, which many Americans still use today.
The $815,000 Wartime Mistake
The most valuable Lincoln Wheat Pennies were accidental errors created during World War II.
In 1943, the U.S. was deeply involved in the war effort, and copper was needed for ammunition and military equipment. To conserve resources, the U.S. Mint switched to zinc-coated steel for pennies, giving them a distinct silver-gray color instead of the usual copper.
But here’s where things got interesting:
- A few leftover copper blanks from 1942 were accidentally left in the minting machines when the transition to steel began.
- These copper blanks were struck with the 1943 date, creating one of the rarest and most valuable error coins in U.S. history.
It’s estimated that fewer than 40 of these 1943 copper pennies exist, making them one of the rarest coins ever produced.
One exceptional 1943 copper penny sold for $1.7 million at auction, while others have sold for anywhere between $100,000 and $815,000, depending on their condition.
What Makes a Lincoln Wheat Penny Valuable?
Not every Wheat Penny is worth a fortune, but a few key factors can dramatically increase a coin’s value:
✅ Rare Dates and Mint Marks – Certain years and mint marks are much harder to find than others. Some of the most valuable include:
- 1909-S VDB – One of the first Lincoln pennies, featuring designer Victor Brenner’s initials.
- 1914-D – A rare Denver-minted penny, worth thousands in good condition.
- 1922 No D – A mistake where the Denver mint accidentally left off the “D” mint mark.
- 1943 Copper Penny – The famous wartime error coin worth up to $1.7 million.
- 1955 Double Die – A printing error that resulted in a doubled date and lettering, making it one of the most famous error coins in history.
✅ Condition Matters – A penny in “mint condition” (meaning it has no damage, scratches, or wear) can sell for thousands more than a worn version of the same coin.
✅ Unique Minting Errors – Mistakes like off-center prints, double strikes, or missing details can turn an ordinary penny into a collector’s dream.
Where Could a $815,000 Penny Be Hiding?
Here’s the most exciting part—these valuable pennies could still be out there. Since many of them were released into regular circulation, they might still be hiding in:
💰 Old coin jars – Many people have decades-old pennies saved up without realizing their value.
💰 Estate sales & garage sales – Sometimes, people sell off inherited coin collections without knowing what they have.
💰 Bank rolls – Some collectors buy rolls of pennies from banks to search for rare coins.
💰 Pocket change – Believe it or not, people still accidentally spend rare coins all the time!
If you have a collection of old pennies, now might be the time to take a closer look!
How to Identify a Valuable Lincoln Wheat Penny
Think you might have a rare Lincoln Wheat Penny? Here’s how to check:
✅ Look at the Date – The most important year to check is 1943. If your penny is from this year, it’s worth inspecting closely.
✅ Check the Color – Regular 1943 pennies are steel and have a silver-gray appearance. A genuine 1943 copper penny will have the traditional brownish-orange color of regular pennies.
✅ Do the Magnet Test –
- If your 1943 penny sticks to a magnet, it’s made of steel and not rare.
- If it doesn’t stick, you might have found a rare copper version worth thousands (or even millions) of dollars.
✅ Weigh It – Use a digital scale to check:
- A steel penny weighs 2.7 grams.
- A copper penny weighs 3.11 grams.
If your 1943 penny doesn’t stick to a magnet and weighs 3.11 grams, you could be holding a small fortune in your hands.
What to Do If You Think You Found a Rare Penny
If you come across a suspiciously old Lincoln Wheat Penny, follow these steps:
🔹 DO NOT Clean It! – Cleaning a rare coin can destroy its value—even wiping it with a cloth can remove its original surface.
🔹 Store It Safely – Keep it in a protective coin holder to prevent scratches.
🔹 Get It Authenticated – Take it to a professional coin grading service like PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) or NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Corporation) for verification.
🔹 Consider Selling at an Auction – If you have the real deal, selling at a coin auction could fetch hundreds of thousands of dollars.
The Bottom Line
The $815,000 Lincoln Wheat Penny is proof that extraordinary treasures can be hiding in the most ordinary places.
Could you be holding one of these rare pennies without even realizing it? The next time you come across an old penny, don’t just toss it aside—take a second look.
That tiny piece of copper might just be worth a fortune.
💡 Happy hunting!